Animal activist alleges another
incident at primate center

Please contact Elizabeth Goldentyer to demand that Harvard Medical
School receive the largest fine possible under the Animal Welfare Act
for the negligence which killed a monkey during a medical procedure.

This is the fifth time in just over one and a half years that
negligence at the New England Primate Research Center has killed a
primate.
So far the USDA has issued only an Official Warning against Harvard's
Medical School. Clearly USDA inaction has contributed to the continuing
deaths at this facility.

Please insist that the USDA issue a fine, and let Dr. Goldentyer know
that you hold her personally responsible for the USDA's inaction, and
the deaths of these animals. She MUST take action now!

An animal activist has alleged that seven months ago, a primate death
occurred at the New England Primate Research Center that should have
been reported to federal regulators. Harvard Medical School, which
operates the facility, responded to the complaint with the explanation
that there was a death at the center in August, but that the animal
received appropriate care for a complication that was a known risk of an
approved surgical procedure.

In a letter sent to the US Department of Agriculture on Tuesday,
Michael Budkie, executive director of Stop Animal Exploitation Now!,
cites a whistleblower’s account of a primate death during a medical
procedure.

In a statement, Harvard Medical School said the care of the animal
was handled correctly.

“Our review indicates that the animal recieved approrpiate veterinary
care and post-operative checks, and it was observed to be recovering
normally from the procedure,” the statement said. “Regrettably, there
are risks associated with surgical procedures, and this death resulted
from a known complication. It was not required that an incident of this
type be reported to the federal government.”

The primate center has been under increased scrutiny by regulators
and activists after four monkey deaths in less than two years. A review
of the operations, management, and procedures of the animal research
facility had exposed gaps in oversight and basic systems used to ensure
the welfare of animals, and now a new panel of outside experts is
beginning another evaluation.

David Sacks, a spokesman for the Agriculture Department, said that,
following standard procedure when such a complaint is made, an inspector
will examine the allegations.

“Our inspections are always unannounced, so I do not know the exact
date this inspection will take place, but suffice it to say that because
of the recent incidents at Harvard’s primate research center, it will be
soon, as we will continue to closely monitor this facility by visiting
more frequently as a way to monitor Harvard’s progress and ensure the
welfare of the animals there,” Sacks wrote in an e-mail.

Carolyn Y. Johnson can be reached at cjohnson@globe.com. Follow her
on Twitter @carolynyjohnson.